It was early August when Notre Dame’s projected starting left tackle suffered a torn right pectoral muscle and was ruled out for the rest of the year. But he didn’t look at it that way. The sophomore imagined a world in which he could return if Notre Dame reached the expanded College Football Playoff, and he attacked his rehab with that in mind.

Charles Jagusah could make his first start of the season, and only the second of his career, in Monday's national championship game.

Notre Dame had an important decision to make at left tackle for the CFP national championship. The Fighting Irish could turn to Tosh Baker, who replaced Knapp in the CFP semifinal, or Jagusah.

In the CFP semifinals, Notre Dame trailed Penn State 10-0 when Leonard's head hit the turf, sending him to the injury tent to be evaluated for a potential concussion. Backup quarterback Steve Angeli, who hadn't played outside of mop-up time all season, came in and hit his first five pass attempts, helping set up a field goal before halftime.